About the Directors

Jennifer Corso

Hello,
My name is Jennifer Corso, and I am the Director of Poko Loko Wheeling. I met my husband Mark in High School. It took us awhile, but we finally got married in 2005. We have a daughter, Gianna (5), who just started kindergarten this year in the Woodland School District in Gurnee, and a son, Gabriel (3), who keeps me on my toes day and night. It has been a pleasure to be able to share Poko Loko with my children and for them to be able to grow up here.

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for children. When I was younger I would babysit for all the neighborhood families. In high school I received achievement awards for my work in the sponsored preschool program, so when it was time to decide what I wanted to do when I grew up- that was an easy answer. I knew it had to be in the Early Childhood department. I attended Triton College for a full semester, but after my mother’s passing, I had to attend part time in order to help with the finances of the household. I then got my first job working in daycare. I worked full time as an assistant in a four year old classroom for two years, and I continued going to school part time.

One day I came across a help wanted ad but I did nothing. I regretted that I did not inquire about it. I happened to come across it again a few weeks later, and I felt like I just had to call, and that’s how I came to Poko Loko. I started in the Toddler Classroom at our Glenview location back in September of 1990. I have played several roles at Poko Loko throughout the years, but I came to Poko Loko Wheeling in August 1997 and have been here ever since.

I feel in a way that I have grown up at Poko Loko as well. There have been many faces throughout the years, and I honestly hold a special place in my heart for all of them. I can only hope that I have made a positive influence on those who have walked though our doors. This place is my family, just as much as my own family. I feel that Poko Loko has made me a better person, and I hope to extend that to your family.

Director Cory Peairs
and Family

Cory Peairs

Hello, my name is Cory, and I have been a part of the Poko Loko family for 15 years now. My journey with Poko Loko began as an assistant teacher in the infant room, where I worked while I attended college. I couldn’t think of a better job than getting to take care of babies all day! As my education progressed, I moved on to become a teacher in the two year old classroom, one of my favorite ages, and then took on the role of Kindergarten teacher when I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I loved teaching kindergarten and did so for four years before taking on a new position as Assistant Director in 2005, following the birth of my first daughter.

I was married to my husband, Chris, in 2001, and we just celebrated our 12 year wedding anniversary. We now have four beautiful children, and they have all traveled the halls of Poko Loko from infancy on; so I have walked the path of parent, teacher and administrator here. This has given me a full range of understanding from first day drop off concerns to curriculum planning to ensuring your child is safe, secure, and loving every minute of their time at Poko Loko. My oldest daughter is now in third grade, and I have triplets, two girls and a boy, in first grade this year as well; there is never a dull moment in our household! In my time outside of Poko Loko, I am busy carting my kids to and from various sports practices and traveling or camping with my family whenever time allows. My children still love their after school time here, and I always look forward to meeting new children and watching them learn and grow with us here at Poko Loko.